Q: What issues should I consider when deciding whether virtualization is right for my SMB customers?

A: Even customers with only a couple of servers can benefit from the high-availability features and other benefits of server virtualization, and presentation virtualization can help SMBs manage and distribute applications more effectively. Key issues for SMBs include manageability and the cost of solutions, including the initial expense and longer-term ownership costs.

Q: Can you suggest a low-cost virtualization option?

A: The big news from Citrix is that XenServer is now available as a free download. This hypervisor-based virtualization package features enterprise-class functions such as support for shared storage, live migration and centralized multiserver management. Based on XenServer's low cost and ease of use -- Citrix promotes "10 to Xen," meaning it takes 10 minutes to virtualize a server -- solution providers can introduce SMB customers to virtualization solutions that maximize server utilization and help isolate server applications. Add shared storage and you have the makings of a robust business-continuity and disaster-recovery solution requiring as few as two servers.

Andrew Schmidt, Citrix Solution Center Engineer

Q: Can SMBs benefit from presentation virtualization?

A: Yes. As an example, Windows Server 2008 includes an update to Terminal Services, which SMBs may find simpler and less resource-intensive than full-blown desktop virtualization. Terminal Services RemoteApp (TS RemoteApp) enables companies to provide access to standard Windows-based programs from virtually any location to users running Windows. Users click on a desktop icon and the program opens from a Terminal Server. TS Web Access enhances this by making RemoteApp programs available from a web browser. And TS Gateway allows users to link to RemoteApp programs via a secure, encrypted link without requiring a VPN.

Tom Mann, Microsoft Solution Center Engineer

Q: Does virtualization bring networking challenges?

A: Larger SMBs running the latest version of VMware may find a disconnect between the "server guys," who configure virtual servers, and the "network guys," who manage the Cisco network. Cisco's Nexus 1000V switch for virtual network management aims to bridge this gap. A pure software implementation of a Cisco Nexus switch, the 1000V leverages VMware's vNetwork Distributed switch framework to offer tightly integrated network services to virtual servers. The network guys will like the fact that the 1000V offers operations and management consistency with existing Cisco Nexus and Catalyst switches, all within the VMware environment.

Michael Mason, Cisco Solution Center Engineer

Have a question for the Solution Center engineers? Submit it to editor@channeladvisor.com. You'll win a free T-shirt if your question is published.